Celebrating Advent

Celebrating Advent involves spending time in spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas. In Western Christianity, the season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24.

Advent is that period of time on the church calendar when many Christians prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ while looking forward to His second coming. During Advent, we emphasize hope, peace, joy, and love, which God sent with Christ.

HOPE

We have an inheritance reserved in heaven, a living hope through the resurrection of Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

PEACE

We will love life and see good days if we turn from evil and do good and if we seek peace, for the Lord watches over the righteous and hears their prayers. (1 Peter 3:10-12)

JOY

We have inexpressible joy even though we have trials because our faith is being tested and proven genuine. The end of this faith is the salvation of our souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

LOVE

We can love one another with a pure heart because we have been born again through the Word of God which lives and abides forever. (1 Peter 1:22-23)

Because Christ came the first time, we can live with hope, peace, joy, and love till He comes again.